U.S. patent number 7,639,239 [Application Number 11/291,084] was granted by the patent office on 2009-12-29 for control input device with vibrating function.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Alpine Electronics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Satoshi Ishida, Tomomi Kajimoto, Yasuharu Tsunokake.
United States Patent |
7,639,239 |
Kajimoto , et al. |
December 29, 2009 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Control input device with vibrating function
Abstract
A vibration-function-equipped control input system includes: a
display panel capable of displaying a control screen; a touch
panel; a pressure-position detector; a vibration section that
generates vibration to apply to the touch panel; and a controller
operatively connected to the display panel, the touch panel, the
pressure-position detector, and the vibration section. The
controller directs the vibration section to generate a vibration of
a first vibration pattern when a predetermined time has passed
after the part of the touch panel corresponding to the position of
a control key displayed on the control screen is pushed, and
subsequently directs the vibration section to generate a vibration
of a second vibration pattern when a change of a control object
controlled by the control key is detected after the predetermined
time has passed.
Inventors: |
Kajimoto; Tomomi (Iwaki,
JP), Tsunokake; Yasuharu (Iwaki, JP),
Ishida; Satoshi (Iwaki, JP) |
Assignee: |
Alpine Electronics, Inc.
(Fukushima, JP)
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Family
ID: |
36633633 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/291,084 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20060146032 A1 |
Jul 6, 2006 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Dec 1, 2004 [JP] |
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2004-348071 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/011 (20130101); G01C 21/3652 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/041 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;345/173
;715/701,702 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Eisen; Alexander
Assistant Examiner: Mishler; Robin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vibration-function-equipped control input system comprising: a
display panel operable to display a control screen; a touch panel
disposed on the display panel, an area of the touch panel defining
a control key, the control key being displayed on the control
screen and configured to adjust a setting of a control object
controlled by pressing at least a portion of the area of the touch
panel defining the control key; a pressure-position detector
operable to detect a pressed position of the touch panel when the
touch panel is pressed; a position comparing section operable to
determine if the pressed position of the touch panel is within a
same area as the area of the touch panel defining the control key;
a vibration section operable to generate vibration to apply to the
touch panel; and a controller operatively connected to the display
panel, the touch panel, the pressure-position detector, the
position comparing section, and the vibration section, wherein the
controller directs the vibration section to generate a vibration
for confirming a key entry when the position comparing section
determines that the pressed position of the touch panel is within
the area of the touch panel defining the control key; and when the
position comparing section determines that the pressed position of
the touch panel is within the area of the touch panel defining the
control key, a timer starts measuring a time elapsed during which
the pressed position of the touch panel (1) remains within the area
of the touch panel defining the control key and (2) has been
continuously pressed, and if the time elapsed that the pressed
position of the touch panel remains within the area of the touch
panel defining the control key and has been continuously pressed
reaches a pre-determined time, the controller further directs the
vibration section to generate a first vibration pattern at the area
of the touch panel defining the control key to confirm the entry of
a long key press, and subsequently directs the vibration section to
generate a second vibration pattern at the area of the touch panel
defining the control key if the pressed position of the touch panel
remains within the area of the touch panel defining the control key
and is continued to be pressed for a period of time after the entry
of the long key press such that a current setting of the control
object controlled by the control key is changed by the continued
pressing of at least a portion of the area of the touch panel
defining the control key.
2. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 1, wherein the second vibration pattern varies every time
the current setting of the control object changes by pushing the
control key.
3. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 2, wherein the control object is music to be played by a
sound reproducing system.
4. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 1, wherein the control object is music to be played by a
sound reproducing system.
5. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 1, wherein the control object is a folder of selectable
music pieces.
6. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 1, wherein the control object is a section of video to be
played by a video reproducing system.
7. A vibration-function-equipped control input system comprising: a
display panel operable to display a control screen; a touch panel
disposed on the display panel, an area of the touch panel defining
a control key, the control key being displayed on the control
screen in the area of the touch panel defining the control key and
configured to adjust a setting of a control object controlled by
the control key when the at least a portion of the area of the
touch panel defining the control key is pressed; a
pressure-position detector operable to detect a position of the
touch panel pressed; a position comparing section operable to
determine if the pressed position of the touch panel is within a
same area as the area of the touch panel defining the control key;
a vibration section operable to generate vibration to apply to the
touch panel; and a controller operatively connected to the display
panel, the touch panel, the pressure-position detector, the
position comparing section, and the vibration section, wherein the
controller directs the vibration section to generate a vibration
for confirming a key entry when the position comparing section
determines that the pressed position of the touch panel is within
the area of the touch panel defining the control key; and when the
position comparing section determines that the pressed position of
the touch panel is within the area of the touch panel defining the
control key, a timer starts measuring a time elapsed during which
the pressed position of the touch panel (1) remains within the area
of the touch panel defining the control key and (2) has been
continuously pressed, and the controller further directs the
vibration section to generate a first vibration pattern at the area
of the touch panel defining the control key when the time elapsed
that the pressed position of the touch panel remains within the
area of the touch panel defining the control key and has been
continuously pressed reaches a predetermined time to confirm the
entry of long key press, and subsequently directs the vibration
section to generate a second vibration pattern at the area of the
touch panel defining the control key when a setting of a gradually
varying value of the control object controlled by the continued
pressing of at least a portion of the area of the touch panel
defining the control key has passed a predetermined reference
point.
8. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 7, wherein the second vibration pattern varies depending
upon the direction of the change in the setting of the gradually
varying value of the control object.
9. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 7, wherein the setting of the gradually varying value of
the control object has a lower limit, a median, and a higher limit,
wherein after changing from the lower limit to the higher limit,
the control object shifts to the lower limit, and after changing
from the higher limit to the lower limit, the control object shifts
to the higher limit.
10. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 7, wherein the predetermined reference value is the median
of the gradually varying value of the control object.
11. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 10, wherein the control object is a gradually,
continuously varying sound level.
12. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 10, wherein the control object is a gradually,
continuously varying visual setting.
13. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 7, wherein the predetermined reference point is the higher
limit or the lower limit of the gradually varying value of the
control object.
14. A vibration-function-equipped control input system comprising:
a display panel operable to display a control screen; a touch panel
disposed on the display panel, an area of the touch panel dedicated
to a control key, the control key being displayed on the control
screen and configured to adjust a setting of a control object
controlled by pressing at least a portion of the area of the touch
panel dedicated to the control key; a pressure-position detector
operable to detect a position of the touch panel pressed; a
position comparing section operable to determine if the pressed
position of the touch panel is within a same area of the area of
the touch panel dedicated to the control key; a vibration section
operable to generate vibration to apply to the touch panel; and a
controller operatively connected to the display panel, the touch
panel, the pressure-position detector, the position comparing
section, and the vibration section, wherein when the position
comparing section determines that the pressed position of the touch
panel is within the area of the touch panel dedicated to the
control key, a timer starts measuring a time elapsed during which
the pressed position of the touch panel (1) remains within the area
of the touch panel dedicated to the control key and (2) has been
continuously pressed, and the controller directs the vibration
section to generate a first vibration pattern at the area of the
touch panel dedicated to the control key when the time elapsed
during which the pressed position of the touch panel (a) remains
within the area of the touch panel dedicated to the control key and
(b) has been continuously pressed reaches a predetermined time to
confirm entry of a long key press, and subsequently directs the
vibration section to generate a second vibration pattern at the
area of the touch panel dedicated to the control key when a setting
of the control object controlled by pressing at least a portion of
the area of the touch panel dedicated to the control key has
reached a predefined value.
15. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 14, wherein the second vibration pattern varies every time
the setting of the control object varies.
16. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 15, wherein the setting of the control object controls
field intensity associated with reception of broadcasting.
17. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 14, wherein the setting of the control object controls
field intensity associated with reception of broadcasting.
18. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 17, wherein the control object is field intensity
associated with receiving FM broadcasting.
19. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 17, wherein the control object is field intensity
associated with receiving AM broadcasting.
20. The vibration-function-equipped control input system according
to claim 17, wherein the control object is field intensity
associated with receiving TV broadcasting.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a control input device, and in
particular, it relates to a control input device having the
function of generating vibration in response to the operation of an
operator.
2. Description of the Related Art
Intuitive touch panels have recently been used as input devices for
car-mounted navigation systems. In this type of car-mounted
navigation systems, the user can control the navigation system by
touching a screen (touch panel) on which a map is displayed. The
operator can also control an audio-video (AV) system by touching
the screen (touch panel) on which an AV control screen is
displayed. For example, the user can perform operations such as
playback, stop, and volume control by touching the control button
on the screen on which a CD-player control screen is displayed.
The operator can determine whether or not he/she has touched the
control button on the touch panel by the change in the color of the
operation button or by beeper.
However, the operator has to actually see or hear the information.
Accordingly, when the operator cannot look at the control screen
carefully or when background sound is loud, the operator sometimes
cannot confirm that he/she has touched the button.
For this problem, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 8-221173 (Patent Document 1) discloses an input
device that provides tactile feedback by specified vibration to the
finger when an operator pushes a control button on the touch panel,
thereby allowing the operator to recognize that he/she has touched
the control button.
However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 merely
informs the operator of the fact that the switch of the touch panel
is pushed by providing a specified vibration to the operator when
the finger of the operator has touched the switch. At the time of
playing back music by an audio system such as a CD player, when the
operator performs an operation to speed up the playback action
(e.g., FWD (fast-forward) key operation), the operator cannot
recognize the degree of forwarding of the playback object even when
he/she can recognize that the key has been pressed by the
vibration. In sum, the operator cannot recognize the changes of the
content of the object (music in this case).
Conventional systems have generated vibration on the touch panel
when the operator continues to press a FWD key while listening to
music played by a CD player, so that a "long key press" is
confirmed. When the music being played is changed during the FWD
operation, the title of the music is displayed on the display
screen. The operator can thus recognize that the music has been
changed by viewing the title displayed on the display screen, and
when the music is changed to the desired music, the operator
releases the FWD key, and selects the desired music.
With such conventional audio systems, the operator can recognize
the information after the long key press is confirmed, and then the
next music is started only when the operator looks at the display
screen. This presents no problem as long as the audio system is not
for vehicles. However, when the system is for vehicles and the
operator is driving a car, the operator cannot look at the display
screen for safety reasons. This therefore poses the problem of
determining when the music has been changed to the desired music
after a long key press.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is made in view of such problems.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a control
input device with a vibrating function that allows an operator to
recognize a change in the state of a control object after a long
key press is confirmed.
To solve the problems of the related art, according to a first
aspect of the invention, a vibration-function-equipped control
input system is provided which includes: a display panel operable
to display a control screen; a touch panel disposed on the display
panel, a part of the touch panel corresponding to the location of a
control key displayed on the control screen; a pressure-position
detector operable to detect the position of the touch panel
pressed; a vibration section operable to generate vibration to
apply to the touch panel; and a controller operatively connected to
the display panel, the touch panel, the pressure-position detector,
and the vibration section. The controller directs the vibration
section to generate a first vibration pattern when a predetermined
time has passed after the control key is pushed, and subsequently
directs the vibration section to generate a second vibration
pattern when a control object controlled by the control key is
changed.
In the vibration-function-equipped control input system, a touch
panel is vibrated when a control key (e.g., the FWD key of a CD
player) on the touch panel is continuously pressed for a
predetermined time. Thus, the operator can determine that a long
key press of the control key is confirmed.
The touch panel is also vibrated every time a control object (e.g.,
music played back by an audio reproducing system) changes while the
control key is continuously pressed after the confirmation of a
long key press. The vibration pattern at that time is different
from that generated when the long key press of the control key is
confirmed.
Thus, the operator can recognize that the music has changed without
viewing the screen on which the title of the particular music is
displayed.
To solve the problems of the related art, according to a second
aspect of the invention, a vibration-function-equipped control
input system is provided which includes: a display panel operable
to display a control screen; a touch panel disposed on the display
panel, a part of the touch panel corresponding to the location of a
control key displayed on the control screen; a pressure-position
detector operable to detect the position of the touch panel
pressed; a vibration section operable to generate vibration to
apply to the touch panel; and a controller operatively connected to
the display panel, the touch panel, the pressure-position detector,
and the vibration section. The controller directs the vibration
section to generate a first vibration pattern when a predetermined
time has passed after the control key is pushed, and subsequently
directs the vibration section to generate a second vibration
pattern when a gradually varying control object controlled by the
control key has passed a predetermined reference point.
In this vibration-function-equipped control input system, a touch
panel is vibrated when a control key (e.g., the volume control key
of a CD player) on the touch panel is continuously pressed for a
predetermined time. Thus, the operator can determined that a long
key press of the control key is confirmed.
The touch panel is also vibrated when a control object (e.g., a
gradually varying sound-level set value) passes a predetermined
reference value while the control key is continuously pressed after
the confirmation of the long key press. The vibration pattern at
that time is different from that generated when the long key press
of the control key is confirmed.
Thus, the operator can determine the sound level without viewing
the screen on which the volume set value is displayed.
To solve the problems of the related art, according to a third
aspect of the invention, a vibration-function-equipped control
input system is provided which includes: a display panel operable
to display a control screen; a touch panel disposed on the display
panel, a part of the touch panel corresponding to the location of a
control key displayed on the control screen; a pressure-position
detector operable to detect the position of the touch panel
pressed; a vibration section operable to generate vibration to
apply to the touch panel; and a control operatively connected to
the display panel, the touch panel, the pressure-position detector,
and the vibration section. The controller directs the vibration
section to generate a first vibration pattern when a predetermined
time has passed after the control key is pushed, and subsequently
directs the vibration section to generate a second vibration
pattern when a control object controlled by the control key has
reached a predefined value.
In this vibration-function-equipped control input system, a touch
panel is vibrated when a control key (e.g., the frequency selection
key of FM broadcasting) on the touch panel is continuously pressed
for a predetermined time. Thus, the operator can determine that a
long key press of the control key is confirmed.
The touch panel is also vibrated when a control object (e.g., field
intensity for receiving FM broadcasting) reaches a predefined value
while the control key is continuously pressed after the
confirmation of the long key press. The vibration pattern at that
time is different from that generated when the long key press of
the control key is confirmed.
Thus, the operator can determine that FM broadcasting has been
received without viewing the screen on which the frequency selected
for FM broadcasting is displayed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a car-mounted navigation and AV system
incorporating a control input device with a vibration function
according to embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control input system with
a vibration function according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a CD-player control screen
displayed on a liquid-crystal panel;
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of the relationship
between the change of music and the vibration of a touch panel;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for the process of generating vibration
according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 6A is a diagram of an example of an MP3-player control screen
displayed on a liquid-crystal panel;
FIG. 6B is a diagram of an example of an MP3-player control screen
displayed on a liquid-crystal panel;
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a
vibration-function-equipped control input system according to a
second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example of a CD-player control screen
displayed on a liquid-crystal panel;
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of the relationship
between the reference point of a set value and vibrations generated
in the touch panel;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for the process of generating vibration
according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a
vibration-function-equipped control input system according to a
third embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of an FM-tuner control
screen displayed on a liquid-crystal panel;
FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of an FM-tuner control
screen displayed on a liquid-crystal panel; and
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for the process of generating vibration
according to the third embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to
the drawings.
Structure of Car-Mounted Navigation and AV System
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a car-mounted navigation and AV system
100 incorporating a control input device with a vibration function
according to embodiments of the invention. Here, the car-mounted
navigation and AV system 100 indicates a system of a car-mounted
navigation system and an AV system such as a CD player or a DVD
player.
The car-mounted navigation and AV system 100 of the embodiments
includes a system controller (control unit) 10, a navigation system
11, a CD player 12, an FM/AM tuner 13, a TV tuner 14, an amplifier
15, and a display unit 20. The system controller 10, the navigation
system 11, the CD player 12, the FM/AM tuner 13, the TV tuner 14,
and the amplifier 15 connect to one another via a common bus line
16. Various signals are transmitted to one another via the common
bus line 16. Audio signals sent from the navigation system 11, the
CD player 12, the FM/AM tuner 13, and the TV tuner 14 are received
by the amplifier 15 via an audio bus line 17, are processed in the
amplifier 15, and then sent to a speaker (not shown).
The navigation system 11 detects the present position of a vehicle
using a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a speed sensor,
or a gyro, reads map data from a map-data storage unit that stores
map data, such as a DVD, and transmits the image data (display
signal) to the system controller 10 via the common bus line 16. The
navigation system 11 also receives control signals (commands) from
the system controller 10 via the common bus line 16 to operate
according to the control signals.
The CD player 12, the FM/AM tuner 13, the TV tuner 14, and the
amplifier 15 also receive control signals from the system
controller 10 via the common bus line 16 to operate according to
the control signals.
In addition to the foregoing systems, other AV systems such as an
MD player, a DVD player, a video-CD compatible player, and an
MP3-compatible player can be connected to the common bus line
16.
The display unit 20 includes a liquid-crystal panel 21, a touch
panel 22, and a vibration unit 23.
First Embodiment
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control input system 200
with a vibration function according to a first embodiment of the
invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration-function-equipped control input
system 200 includes a pressure-position detecting section 25 that
produces a detection signal depending on the position of the touch
panel 22 pressed; a display control section 26 that allows the
liquid-crystal panel 21 to display a control screen and obtains the
position of a control key displayed on the control screen; and a
drive-signal generating section 27 that generates vibration to be
applied to the vibration unit 23.
The system controller 10 includes a position comparing section 10a
that compares the position of the touch panel 22 pressed to the
position of a control key displayed on the liquid-crystal panel 21;
and an operating-state-change detecting section 10b that detects
the change of music or the like to be controlled.
The display unit 20 has the touch panel 22 in front of the
liquid-crystal panel 21, and the vibration unit 23 on the back of
the liquid-crystal panel 21. The display unit 20 connects to the
system controller 10 via the pressure-position detecting section
25, the display control section 26, and the drive-signal generating
section 27.
In this vibration-function-equipped control input system 200, the
system controller 10, the position comparing section 10a, and the
operating-state-change detecting section 10b correspond to "a
control unit"; the liquid-crystal panel 21 corresponds to "a
display panel"; the vibration unit 23 and the drive-signal
generating section 27 correspond to "a vibration section"; and the
pressure-position detecting section 25 corresponds to "a
pressure-position detector".
The operation of the vibration-function-equipped control input
system 200 according to this embodiment will be described with
reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. 4 and the flowchart
shown in FIG. 5. Assume that the CD player 12 operates, so that the
control screen for the CD player 12 is displayed on the
liquid-crystal panel 21. The control screen in FIG. 3 displays a
keypad 31 including a playback/pause button 31c and so forth; and a
status display section 30 that displays a CD number, a track
number, a playback time, and a music title. The control screen
displays the operating state of the CD player 12 on the
liquid-crystal panel 21 in response to a signal obtained from the
CD player 12 by the system controller 10 (a signal indicative of
whether it is in a stopped state or a playback state, and when it
is in a playback state, signals indicative of the track number and
playback time).
FIG. 4 is a timing chart for the relationship between changes of
music and vibrations generated in the touch panel 22. In FIG. 4,
OFF indicates a state in which any of the keys of the keypad 31 is
not pressed; ON indicates a state in which a FWD key 31f of the
keypad 31 is pressed. The BUS communication indicates a signal sent
to the common bus line 16, showing the operating state of the CD
player 12. The system controller 10 can obtain the operating state
of the CD player 12 via the common bus line 16. Vibration patterns
v1 and v2 indicate different vibration patterns.
The timing chart of FIG. 4 shows what vibration is applied to the
operator at what timing while the operator continues to press the
FWD key 31f on the control screen during the playback of the first
number by the CD player 12.
When the FWD key 31f is turned on during the playback of the first
number, a vibration of vibration pattern v1 is generated during a
fixed time t1. When the FWD key 31f is continuously pressed for a
fixed time after the FWD key 31f is turned on during the playback
of the first number, a long key press is confirmed. When the long
key press of the FWD key 31f is confirmed, the CD player 12 starts
an FWD operation. Upon the start of the FWD operation, a vibration
of vibration pattern v2 is generated for a fixed time t2.
When the music changes to the second number during the FWD
operation, a vibration of vibration pattern v3 is generated for a
fixed time t3 to indicate that the music has changed. Also when the
music changes to the third number during the FWD operation, a
specified vibration is generated for a fixed time.
Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the process of vibrating the
FWD key 31f while the operator continues to press the FWD key 31f
during the playback of music by the CD player 12 will be
described.
In step S11, the system controller 10 determines whether or not the
FWD key 31f has been pressed.
The determination whether or not the key has been pressed is made
as follows:
When the operator presses the surface of the touch panel 22
corresponding to a displayed position on the keypad 31, the
pressure-position detecting section 25 detects the pressure to the
keypad 31, and detects the pressed position on the touch panel 22.
The pressure-position detecting section 25 sends the detected
positional information to the position comparing section 10a of the
system controller 10. The position comparing section 10a obtains
the operated position of the keypad 31 that is displayed on the
liquid-crystal panel 21 by the display control section 26, and
compares the obtained key position and the position sent from the
pressure-position detecting section 25. As a result of the
comparison, when the positional information of the touch panel 22
obtained from the pressure-position detecting section 25 agrees
with the positional information obtained from the display control
section 26, it is determined that a valid key entry is made (e.g.,
the FWD key 31f is pressed, in this embodiment).
When a positive determination is made, the procedure moves to step
S12; when a negative determination is made, the procedure returns
to step S11 to determine whether or not the FWD key 31f has been
pressed.
In the next step S12, a vibration for confirming the key entry is
generated. Specifically, the system controller 10 instructs the
drive-signal generating section 27 to generate vibration, thereby
allowing the vibration unit 23 to generate vibration. The vibration
at that time is a predetermined vibration pattern v1 for indicating
that the FWD key 31f has been pressed, for example, only one
vibration of "brr".
In the next step S13, it is determined whether or not the pressure
to the FWD key 31f is "a long key press". Here the "long key press"
indicates a state in which a key is continued to be pressed for a
predetermined time or longer.
The determination on whether or not the FWD key 31f is pressed for
a long key press is made as follows: the system controller 10
instructs the drive-signal generating section 27 to generate
vibration for confirming key entry in step S12, and at the same
time, starts the measurement of time using a timer built into the
system controller 10. When a predetermined time has passed from the
start of time measurement that the FWD key 31f is continuously
pressed, it is determined that a long key press is confirmed.
When a long key press is not confirmed, the procedure moves to step
S14; when a long key press is confirmed, the procedure moves to
step S15.
In step S14, it is determined whether or not the pressure to the
FWD key 31f has been finished. The pressure to the FWD key 31f is
determined from a signal sent from the pressure-position detecting
section 25 to the system controller 10. When the finger separates
from the FWD key 31f, this process ends. When the pressure to the
FWD key 31f is continued to be applied, the procedure returns to
step S13, wherein it is determined whether or not a long key press
is confirmed.
In the next step S15, the system controller 10 instructs the
drive-signal generating section 27 to generate vibration for
notifying the operator that a long key press is confirmed. The
vibration for notifying the operator of the confirmation of the
long key press is different from that for confirmation of key
entry. For example, for the confirmation of key entry, only one
vibration is generated; for the confirmation of long key press, two
vibrations (such as "brrr") are generated. The intensity
(amplitude) of the vibration may be varied for alternate or further
discrimination.
In the next step S16, it is determined whether or not the music has
changed in a state in which the same key (the 31f in this
embodiment) is continuously pressed after the confirmation of the
long key press (hereinafter, referred to as a long key press
state).
The determination on whether or not the music has changed is made
as follows: the system controller 10 obtains table-of-contents
(TOC) information and audio information from the CD player 12 via
the common bus line 16. The TOC information includes the start
positions of music pieces (the times at which tracks start). The
audio information includes the elapsed time of music during
playback. The operating-state-change detecting section 10b of the
system controller 10 determines whether or not music has shifted to
the next number during FWD operation on the basis of such
information.
When the music has shifted to the next number, the procedure moves
to step S17; when the music has not changed, the procedure moves to
step S18.
In the next step S17, the process of generating vibration for
indicating a change of music is executed.
When the music has shifted to the next number while the FWD key 31f
is in a long key press state, the system controller 10 instructs
the drive-signal generating section 27 to generate a vibration of
the vibration pattern v3. The vibration pattern v3 is different
from the vibration pattern v1 for confirming that the FWD key 31f
is pressed and the vibration pattern v2 for confirming the long key
press.
In the next step S18, it is determined whether or not the long key
press state has ended. When the long key press state has not ended,
the procedure returns to step S16, wherein it is determined whether
or not the music has further shifted to the next number.
When the music has further shifted to the next number in a long key
press state, the system controller 10 instructs the drive-signal
generating section 27 to generate vibration in step S17. The
vibration pattern at that time may be either the vibration pattern
v3 or a vibration pattern different from that. In contrast, when
the finger no longer presses the FWD key 31f to finish the long key
press state, the process is terminated.
As described above, in the vibration-function-equipped control
input system 200 of this embodiment, the touch panel 22 vibrates
when the key on the touch panel 22 is pressed. Thus, the operator
can confirm that key entry has become valid.
Also when a long key press is confirmed, the touch panel 22
vibrates. The vibration pattern at that time is different from that
when a key is pressed. Thus, the operator can easily confirm that a
long key press is confirmed.
Furthermore, the touch panel 22 vibrates every time object music
changes while the key is being pressed after the confirmation of
the long key press. The vibration pattern at that time is different
from the vibration patterns when a key is pressed and when a long
key press is confirmed. Thus, the operator can confirm that music
has changed without viewing a display screen, thus improving
convenience. It is advantageous particularly while driving a
vehicle.
While the embodiment has been described for the FWD operation of
the CD player 12, the invention is not limited to such an
operation, but may be applied to a BWD (reverse) operation. Also,
the invention may be applied not only to the CD player 12 but also
to other audio reproducing systems.
Modification
In the first embodiment, the touch panel 22 vibrates every time
music changes after the long key press of the FWD key 31f has been
confirmed in controlling the CD player 12. In contrast, the touch
panel 22 may vibrate not for each number but for each folder of
music pieces.
FIGS. 6A and 6B show examples of a control screen for changing a
playback file 61 using a FILE DOWN key 62b in the playback mode of
an MP3- or WMA (Windows media audio)-compatible player. FIG. 6A
shows a screen on which four music titles (the playback file 61)
contained in folder A are displayed. The music titles contained in
folder A is scrolled down and displayed one after another by the
FILE DOWN key 62b pressed for a long time. When all the titles in
folder A have been displayed in this way, folder A shifts to the
next folder.
FIG. 6B shows the next control screen after folder A has shifted to
folder B. When the folder has shifted to folder B, as shown in FIG.
6B, the FILE DOWN key 62b in a long key press state vibrates, so
that the operator can confirm that the folder has shifted.
In this modification, a determination on whether or not the folder
has shifted to the next folder is made in step S16 of FIG. 5. The
determination on whether or not the folder has shifted to the next
folder is made by the system controller 10 according to a signal
from the MP3 player, which indicates that the folder has shifted to
the next folder. Then the procedure moves to step S17, wherein a
vibration indicating that the folder has shifted to the next folder
is generated in the FILE DOWN key 62b.
As shown in the modification, the vibration-function-equipped
control input system 200 according to the first embodiment can
vibrate the touch panel 22 every time the folder changes during the
playback of an MP3- or WMA-compatible player.
This modification can also vibrate a FILE UP key 62a when the FILE
UP key 62a is pressed to return from folder B to the preceding
folder A.
According to the first embodiment and its modification, an audio
reproducing system has been described as a control object system.
The control object system is not limited to that but may be a video
reproducing system such as a DVD. For example, while an image or
video that is played back by a DVD is forwarded or reversed, the
touch panel 22 can be vibrated every chapter or section of the
image or video.
Second Embodiment
A vibration-function-equipped control input system 200a according
to a second embodiment of the invention will be described
hereinbelow.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in
that the control object is a finite value that varies gradually and
has a reference point being a higher limit, a lower limit, or a
median. When the sound level has passed through the reference
point, the touch panel is vibrated.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a
vibration-function-equipped control input system 200a according to
the second embodiment. This embodiment is also an application of
the invention to the car-mounted navigation and AV system 100. The
difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment
is that a system controller 10A has a reference-point-passage
detecting section (control section) 10c. The other structure and
operation (function) are basically the same as those of the first
embodiment. Accordingly, the same components in FIG. 7 as those of
FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals and their detailed
description will be omitted.
The case of controlling the volume of the CD player 12 with this
system will be described by way of example.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example of the screen display when a
volume control key 82 of the CD player 12 is pressed for a long
time to control the volume. As shown in FIG. 8, an indicator 81
that indicates the volume indicates the reference sound level with
a value 0, levels lower than that with minus values, and levels
higher than that with plus values. FIG. 8 shows a state in which
the volume control key 82 is pressed to continuously tune up the
volume when the sound level is minus.
FIG. 9 is a timing chart for the relationship between the passage
of the reference point and vibrations generated in the touch panel
22. In FIG. 9, the BUS communication indicates a signal sent from
the CD player 12 to the common bus line 16. The system controller
10A obtains the status of the set value (the sound level) via the
common bus line 16.
The timing chart of FIG. 9 shows what vibration is applied to the
operator at what timing while the operator continues to press the
volume control key 82 on the control screen of FIG. 8.
When the volume control key 82 is turned on, a vibration of
vibration pattern v1 is generated during a fixed time t4. When the
volume control key 82 is continuously pressed for a predetermined
time after the key entry is turned on, a long key press is
confirmed, and then the CD player 12 starts a setting operation
while increasing the sound level. Upon the start of the continuous
setting operation, a vibration of vibration pattern v2 is generated
for a fixed time t5.
When the sound level has passed through the reference point after
the start of sound-volume continuous setting, a vibration of
vibration pattern v3 is generated for a fixed time t6.
Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the process of vibrating the
touch panel 22 will be described hereinbelow.
Since steps S21 to S25 are the same as steps S11 to S15 according
to the first embodiment (FIG. 5), their description will be
omitted.
Here the process will be described from step S26 after the long key
press is confirmed in step S25.
In step S26, it is determined whether or not the sound level has
passed the reference point ("0" in this embodiment) during the long
key press of the volume control key 82.
The determination whether or not the sound level has passed the
reference point is made as follows: the system controller 10A
obtains information on the sound level set by the CD player 12 via
the common bus line 16, and the reference-point-passage detecting
section 10c determines whether or not the sound level has passed
the reference point on the basis of the information.
When a positive determination is made, the procedure moves to step
S27; when a negative determination is made, the procedure returns
to step S30.
In the next step S27, it is determined whether the sound level has
shifted from a minus value through the reference point to a plus
value or shifted from a plus value through the reference point to a
minus value in the reverse direction.
The determination in which direction the sound level has passed is
made by comparison of the sound levels before and after the passage
through the reference point by the reference-point-passage
detecting section 10c.
When it is determined that the sound level has passed the reference
point from a minus value to a plus value, the procedure moves to
step S28; when it is determined that the sound level has passed the
reference point from a plus value to a minus value, the procedure
moves to step S29.
In step S28, a vibration for confirming that the sound level has
passed the reference point when it changes from a minus level to a
plus level is generated.
When the sound level has passed the reference point when it changes
from a minus level to a plus level when the volume control key 82
is in a long key press state, the system controller 10A instructs
the drive-signal generating section 27 to generate a vibration
pattern v3. This vibration pattern is different from the vibration
pattern v1 for confirming that the volume control key 82 is pressed
and the vibration pattern v2 for confirming that a long key press
is confirmed.
In step S29, a vibration for confirming that the sound level has
passed the reference point when it changes from a plus level to a
minus level is generated. In this case, a vibration of a different
pattern from the vibration pattern v3 generated in step S28 is
generated.
In the next step S30, it is determined whether or not the long key
press state has ended. When the long key press state has not ended,
the procedure returns to step S26, wherein it is further determined
whether or not the sound level has passed the reference point. In
contrast, when the finger separates from the volume control key 82
to finish the long key press state, the process is terminated.
As described above, in the vibration-function-equipped control
input system 200a of this embodiment, the touch panel 22 is
vibrated when the sound level has passed the reference point while
the key is being continuously pressed after the long key press of
the volume control key 82 has been confirmed. Thus, the operator
can confirm the sound level without viewing the sound-level display
screen.
While the embodiment has been described for volume control by way
of example, the control object is not limited to that, but the
invention can be applied to the setting of gradually and
continuously changing values, such as the lightness or contrast of
a screen.
Modification
In the second embodiment, the reference point in setting the sound
level is set to the median value of gradually, continuously varying
values, and when it varies from a minus value to a plus value, or
from a plus value to a minus value, vibration is generated.
Accordingly, it cannot be determined whether the gradually,
continuously varying value has reached the last value (the higher
limit). When the control object varies gradually, continuously to
reach the last value, and then returns to the initial value (the
lower limit) to circulate, the touch panel 22 may be vibrated when
the sound level reaches the higher limit or the lower limit.
Conversely, also when the sound level varies gradually,
continuously to reach the initial value (the lower limit), and then
returns to the last value (the higher limit) to circulate, the
touch panel 22 may be vibrated when the sound level reaches the
higher limit or the lower limit.
Set items whose set value circulates include clock time setting,
selection of the letters of the alphabet in entering characters,
and so on. For example, for time setting, set time varies from 0:00
to 11:59 by continuing to press a set key. The set time varies
again from 0:00 by continuing to press the set key. In the case
where the set value circulates in this way, the touch panel 22 is
vibrated when the set value has reached the initial value (e.g.,
0:00 in this case).
This allows the operator to realize that the set value has returned
to the initial value without viewing the display screen, and find
the level of the set value.
Third Embodiment
A vibration-function-equipped control input system 200b according
to a third embodiment of the invention will be described
hereinbelow.
The third embodiment is different from the first and second
embodiments in that the control object is field intensity when
receiving FM broadcasting and so on; and the touch panel is
vibrated when the field intensity has reached a predefined
value.
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a
vibration-function-equipped control input system 200b according to
the third embodiment. This embodiment is also an application of the
invention to the car-mounted navigation and AV system 100. The
difference between this embodiment and the first and second
embodiments is that a system controller 10B has a field-intensity
detecting section (control section) 10d. The other structure and
operation (functions) are basically the same as those of the first
embodiment. Accordingly, the same components in FIG. 10 as those of
FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals and their detailed
description will be omitted.
The case of receiving FM broadcasting with this field-intensity
detecting section 10d will be described by way of example.
FIGS. 12A and 12B show examples of the screen display when the
reception frequency is changed by pressing a frequency-selection
key 95 for a long time during the reception of FM broadcasting.
As shown in FIG. 12A, information on the frequency selected to
receive FM broadcasting is sent from the touch panel 22 to the
system controller 10B. The frequency information is transferred to
the FM/AM tuner 13 via the common bus line 16. The FM/AM tuner 13
receives FM broadcasting at the transferred frequency, and sends a
signal indicative of the receiving state (field intensity) to the
system controller 10B.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for the operation of generating vibration
according to the third embodiment. Since steps S31 to S35 are the
same as steps S11 to S15 according to the first embodiment (FIG.
5), their description will be omitted.
Here the process will be described from step S36 after the long key
press is confirmed in step S35.
In step S36, it is determined whether or not the field intensity
has reached a predefined value during the long key press of the
frequency-selection key 95. In other words, it is determined
whether FM broadcasting can be received depending on whether the
field intensity has reached a predefined value. The determination
whether or not the field intensity has reached a predefined value
is made as follows: the operator presses the frequency-selection
key 95 to receive FM broadcasting. Information on the frequency
selected by pressure is sent from the touch panel 22 to the system
controller 10B. The frequency information is transferred to the
FM/AM tuner 13 via the common bus line 16, and the FM/AM tuner 13
receives FM broadcasting with the designated frequency. The FM/AM
tuner 13 sends a signal indicative of the receiving state (field
intensity) of the frequency. The system controller 10B obtains the
information via the common bus line 16. The field-intensity
detecting section 10d determines whether or not the obtained field
intensity has reached a predefined value.
When the field intensity has reached a predefined value, the
procedure moves to step S37; when it has not reached a predefined
value, the procedure moves to step S38.
In the next step S37, a vibration for confirming that the field
intensity has reached a predefined value to allow reception of
broadcasting is generated. The system controller 10B instructs the
drive-signal generating section 27 to generate vibration. This
vibration pattern is different from the vibration pattern for
confirming that the frequency-selection key 95 is pressed and the
vibration pattern v2 for confirmation that long key press is
confirmed.
In the next step S38, it is determined whether or not the long key
press state has ended. When the long key press state has not ended,
the procedure returns to step S36, wherein it is determined whether
or not the next broadcasting has been received.
When the next broadcasting can be received in a long key press
state, the system controller 10B instructs the drive-signal
generating section 27 to generate vibration in step S37. The
vibration pattern at that time may be either the same or different
for the received broadcastings. When the finger separates from the
frequency-selection key 95 to finish the long key press state, the
process is terminated.
As described above, in the vibration-function-equipped control
input system 200b of this embodiment, when the operator selects a
broadcasting station by pressing the frequency-selection key 95
while listening to FM broadcasting, the touch panel 22 is vibrated
every time the field intensity reaches a predefined value to allow
reception of broadcasting. Thus, the operator can recognize the
reception of broadcasting by vibration without viewing the display
screen.
While the embodiment has been described for the FM tuner by way of
example, the control object system is not limited to that, but the
invention can be applied to other broadcasting receiving sets, such
as an AM tuner or a TV tuner.
Although the first to third embodiments and their modifications
have been described for the case in which the
vibration-function-equipped control input systems (200, 200a, and
200b) are applied to the car-mounted navigation and AV system 100,
the invention is not limited to that. For example, the invention
can be applied to a single audio system or video system.
* * * * *